Board style football game

ABSTRACT

The present invention in its preferred embodiment is a game for playing football comprising a case having therein a field, dice roll containment area, scoreboard storage area, number storage area, dice storage area, card storage area, and various other components including a field with playing surface colored suitably to represent a football field. The other components include a ball marker to show the position of the ball on the field, a first down marker to show where the ball must be moved in order to obtain a new set of downs. Additionally, the game comprises a scoreboard, dice and cards for determining the results of plays.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND LIMITED AUTHORIZATION

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document containsmaterial which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdocument or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent andTrademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyright rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus andmethod for carrying out the play of a game of football, and moreparticularly to a football game that is played on a board surface withappropriate accessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Sports game simulations lend themselves well to board stylegames. Over the years, many embodiments of board style sports games havearisen. Football games are a particularly good model for the developmentof a board game, mainly due to the immense popularity of the game.

[0004] The present invention began out of a need for a device for, andmethod of, playing football between opposing sides that provides forrealism and simplicity in operation.

[0005] There are various football game devices and methods previouslyknown, but which all are disadvantageous when compared to the presentinvention:

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,224 to Wusterbarth teaches a board game witha board that does not resemble a football field, but does include yardmarkings, pins to mark the scrimmage and 10 yard first down lines withholes to insert the pins into, dice in groups to determine the yardsgained or lost, and a set of rules. Downs and quarters are indicated,but score is kept separately on a scorecard. The invention ofWusterbarth '224 requires a complicated pattern of dice of differentcolors and does not resemble a football playing field in form orfunction, thus not providing a ‘feel’ of the game. Further, Wusterbarth'224 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarterwherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against theplayer who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardagegained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an excitingfashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,956 to Warmack teaches a board game with aboard resembling a football field, including yard markings. Play isaccomplished by selection of cards with questions and answers with theanswers thereto determining the interpretation of movement indicated ona wheel that is then spun. Dice serve for supplementary moves. While theinvention of Warmack '956 has a field resembling a football field, itsrequirement of knowledge of answers to sports questions makes thisdevice unsuitable for all but those having such special knowledge.Further, Warmack '956 does not teach having a fixed number ofpossessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, thepossession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a methodof randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method forconcluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separatingthe teams is less than nine points.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,419 to Hill teaches a football board game,which has a ball marker and a yardage marker. This game uses thirty diceand six decks of playing cards. Moves are determined from statisticssheets, based on outcomes from dice and cards. The device of Hill '419requires a highly complicated set of components compared to the presentinvention. Further, Hill '419 does not teach having a fixed number ofpossessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, thepossession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a methodof randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method forconcluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separatingthe teams is less than nine points.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,036 to Chester teaches a football board gamewith two football fields and a dry erase surface. Ink markers are usedto record ball position. A pair of dice is used separately. Cardscorrespond to player positions and specific players with theirstatistics thereon. The game is designed to resemble professionalfootball play. Chester '036 requires that each player have their ownfield, which is not representative of real life football. Further,Chester '036 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions perquarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession countsagainst the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomlyincreasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a closegame in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is lessthan nine points.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,050 to Charles teaches a football board gamewith yardage lines. Game pieces resemble players and are used formarking the position of the team and the formation of typical footballplayers on the field, and the movement thereof. Cards and dice are usedto determine play outcomes. Field goals and extra points are “kicked” byflicking a triangular “projectile” through the goal posts. Charles '050requires a multitude of components to be placed on the field playingsurface, such as figures of players, etc., which devices are notnecessary to the present invention. Further, Charles '050 does not teachhaving a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when the ballis turned over, the possession counts against the player who lostpossession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost,nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when thescore separating the teams is less than nine points.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,229 to Jaime teaches a football field boardgame, where a die is rolled to determine from a chart what the move andyardage will be. Offensive and defensive play charts are disposed on thesurface of the game board. Yardage markers are included. Timers are usedfor both game time and time-outs. Standard dice are used to determineplay, while specialty dice determine yardage. The game of Jaime '229requires that play is limited to one hour, but has no means for ensuringthat both teams have equal opportunities for play. Further, Jaime '229does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter whereinwhen the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the playerwho lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gainedor lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashionwhen the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,461 to Tucker teaches a football board gamewith cards and dice for plays and penalties. The board itself determinesthe results of the play based on where the “ball” comes to rest after aplayer imparts motion to it. Tucker '461 uses an unusual method ofpropelling the ball through physical means to a landing point thatdetermines the play outcome, which is disadvantageous to those lackingthe skills necessary to cause the ball to land in a favorable position.Further, Tucker '461 does not teach having a fixed number of possessionsper quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession countsagainst the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomlyincreasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a closegame in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is lessthan nine points.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,301 to Martukovich, Jr. teaches a footballboard game that incorporates weather conditions into the play. Plays aredetermined by selecting cards based on a dice roll, with yardagedetermined from the card. Ball and yardage markers are included.Specialty dice are used. Martukovich '301 utilizes complicatedmultifaceted dice, disadvantageously necessitating complex and costlymanufacturing, unlike the present invention. Further, Martukovich '301does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter whereinwhen the ball is turned over, the possession counts against the playerwho lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gainedor lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashionwhen the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,879 to Nigh teaches a football board gameusing cards to determine plays and specialty dice to determine yardagegained or lost. Markers are provided for scrimmage and first down lines.An electronic scoreboard is used. Pairs of dice are stored incompartments in a player container and rolled in a separate throwingtray. Nigh '879 uses non-standard dice complicating manufacture andincreasing cost. Further, Nigh '879 does not teach having a fixed numberof possessions per quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, thepossession counts against the player who lost possession, nor a methodof randomly increasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method forconcluding a close game in an exciting fashion when the score separatingthe teams is less than nine points.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,524,975 to Caughie et al. teaches a footballboard game with specialty dice of varying geometric shapes to determineplay outcome and yardage. Decks of cards are used to determine play. Thefield has ball and yardage markers. Like Martukovich '301, Caughie etal. '975 uses multifaceted dice highly complicating the play andmanufacture and thus increasing cost. Further, Caughie et al. '975 doesnot teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein whenthe ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player wholost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained orlost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashionwhen the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,346 to Godwin teaches a board-style footballgame, where players choose between selecting cards or rolling dice tosimulate results of conventional football games. Pegs in holes mark theposition of the ball and first down markers and also are used to displaythe score. Godwin '346 uses dice for running plays, with the resultdetermined through the complexity of mathematically calculating areduced yardage gain in certain situations, and uses cards to determinepassing plays. It is confusing to have different methods needed to belearned in order to run or pass the ball, and is thus disadvantageous.Further, Godwin '346 does not teach having a fixed number of possessionsper quarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession countsagainst the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomlyincreasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a closegame in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is lessthan nine points.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 2,743,105 to Westbrook teaches a football boardgame with a field, and down and play counters. Cards determine the playand dice determine the outcome and yardage. The number of playsdetermines the playing time. Ball, down and yardage markers are includedon the board. Westbrook '105 is disadvantageous in that it requires theuse of cards for the defense to predict plays by the offense. Throughcombination of complex predictions, a resulting play ensues. Further,Westbrook '105 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions perquarter wherein when the ball is turned over, the possession countsagainst the player who lost possession, nor a method of randomlyincreasing yardage gained or lost, nor a method for concluding a closegame in an exciting fashion when the score separating the teams is lessthan nine points.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 2,044,506 to Lundquist teaches a football game withtwo boards, one representing the field and the other having the resultcombinations of various dice rolls. The number of plays run determineseach quarter. The game of Lundquist '506 is disadvantageous in that ituses combinations of a large number of dice into pairs, and othergroupings such as three, four and five of a kind. Further, Lundquist'506 does not teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarterwherein when the ball is turned over, the possession counts against theplayer who lost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardagegained or lost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an excitingfashion when the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 543,463 to Brown, Jr. teaches a football board gameusing specialty dice. Colors on the individual dice determine the plays,while a die with numerals is used to determine movement of the peg onthe “field” when different colors appear on the other two dice. A peg ismoved in holes on the board to show the position of the ball. Brown '463is disadvantageous in requiring dice with different colors on theirfaces, thus increasing the cost of manufacture. Further, Brown '463 doesnot teach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein whenthe ball is turned over, the possession counts against the player wholost possession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained orlost, nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashionwhen the score separating the teams is less than nine points.

[0020] United States Patent Application No. 2002/0153659 to Milcheckteaches a football board game with human body indicia on the board andusing cards, which game incorporates actions on the opponent's body tofacilitate interpersonal contact. Play of Milcheck 2002/0153659 iscomplex, involving the use of a standard deck of cards coded withfootball plays. Players must undergo a “high card duel” to determine thesequence and results of plays. Further, Milcheck 2002/0153659 does notteach having a fixed number of possessions per quarter wherein when theball is turned over, the possession counts against the player who lostpossession, nor a method of randomly increasing yardage gained or lost,nor a method for concluding a close game in an exciting fashion when thescore separating the teams is less than nine points.

[0021] While some or all of the above referenced patents may well beused for playing football between opposing sides, they aredisadvantageous in that they fail to adequately provide simplicity ofoperation, ease of manufacture and are over-complicated.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Briefly described, the present invention overcomes theabove-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such adevice by providing a method and apparatus for playing football by meansof a board game.

[0023] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the presentinvention in its preferred embodiment is a board style game based onfootball as played in the United States of America.

[0024] More specifically, the present invention is a board case that hasformed in its interior a playing surface or field, a dice rollingconfinement area, and game components.

[0025] The present invention is directed to a device that is used forplaying football between opposing teams.

[0026] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its abilityto depict characteristically the game of football, so as to provideenjoyment by fans of that game.

[0027] A further feature and advantage of the present invention is thatit is suitable for playing in small areas between individual players.

[0028] A feature and advantage of the present invention is that it canbe played independently of a time clock and the game may be convenientlystopped and restarted at any time.

[0029] A further feature and advantage of the present invention is thatit is simple to manufacture and of low cost.

[0030] A further feature and advantage of the present invention is thatit can be played with simple rules and components.

[0031] A feature and advantage of the present invention is that itrepresents the play of the game of football accurately.

[0032] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is that itis fully contained within a functional carrying case.

[0033] A further feature and advantage of the present invention is thatthe game time is measured by a fixed number of possessions representingeach quarter.

[0034] An additional feature and advantage of the present invention isthat it provides for excitement in close games by providing specialrules to allow a losing player a better opportunity to overcome theleading player's score.

[0035] Still yet another feature and advantage of the present inventionis that it provides a random mechanism for long plays, both offensivelyand defensively.

[0036] These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from thefollowing description and claims when read in light of the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Having thus described the invention in general terms, the presentinvention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Descriptionof the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to theaccompanying drawing figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,and in which like reference numerals denote similar structures and referto like elements throughout, and in which:

[0038]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a football game device accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0039]10 Apparatus for Playing Football

[0040]20 Case

[0041]22 Field

[0042]24 Playing Surface

[0043]26 Markings

[0044]28 Yardage Lines

[0045]30 Ten-yard Lines

[0046]32 Five-yard Lines

[0047]34 End Zones

[0048]36 Hash Marks

[0049]38 Boundary Areas

[0050]40 Ball

[0051]42 First Down Marker

[0052]44 Dice Roll Containment Area

[0053]46 Scoreboard Storage Area

[0054]48 Scoreboard

[0055]50 Home Team

[0056]52 Visiting Team

[0057]54 Numbers

[0058]56 Peg Hole for Possession Count

[0059]58 Peg Hole for Down Count

[0060]60 Peg Hole for Quarter Count

[0061]62 Pegs

[0062]64 Number Storage Area

[0063]66 Dice Storage Area

[0064]68 Dice

[0065]70 Card Storage Area

[0066]72 Cards

[0067]74 Figure

[0068]76 Type of Play

[0069]78 Direction of Play

[0070]80 Results of Play

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0071] In describing the preferred embodiment as illustrated in theFigures, and the alternate embodiments of the present invention,specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention,however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology soselected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includesall technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplishsimilar functions.

[0072] The present invention is suitable for playing a game of footballbetween opponents, preferably two in number. Greater numbers of playerscan be sorted into two teams for multi-person play.

[0073] The present invention is played according to a set of rules setforth in Tables I and II below.

[0074] ©2003 Kip England TABLE I General Rules: Time limits/quartersPossessions - four (4) possessions by each team per quarterInterceptions, fumble recoveries and recovering an on-side kick count asthe victim's possession, so the benefiting team is getting a freepossession. Final Possession Rule: If the team who has the lastscheduled possession of the game is leading by eight (8) or less anddoesn't get at least one first down, it must punt or turn over the ballon downs or score to lead by more than eight (8). If it scores, butstill doesn't lead by more than eight (8), it must kick off to the otherteam. This give the losing team a free possession and a chance to tie orwin. But that team only gets a total of 6 downs to score. However, it isonly allowed one (1) first down and then must score. Coin toss Roll thedice. The highest roll wins - This is used at the start of the game andif overtime is needed. Additional roll rules: The first time the offenserolls to further advance the ball, yardage is one (1) times the roll. Ifdoubles are rolled, the offense rolls again and yardage is then two (2)times the roll, if doubles are rolled again, then three (3) times theyardage, and so on only as long as doubles are being rolled. Kickingrules: The kicking or punting team rolls the dice. Kick Offs - a roll of 2-4 - ball lands on the twenty yard line  5-9 - ball lands on goal line 10-11 - ball lands in the end zone (5 yards deep - Player must make adecision whether     to return it or not)  12 - out of end zone (Ball isplaced on the 20 yard line) On-side kick - a roll of  11-12 - thekicking team recovers the ball on the 45 yard line (still counts as theother     team's possession)  Less than 11 - receiving team takespossession on the 45 yard line. Kick Off returns - after placing theball according to the dice roll from the kick off, the receiving teamrolls the dice, unless the ball is kicked out of the end zone, or thekicking team has the option not to return the kick. Kick off return isthree (3) times the count on the dice, and then follow additional rollrules if necessary. Punt - a roll of  2 - blocked  3-12 - punt distanceis five (5) times the roll of the dice Yards are marked off from theline of scrimmage. If the punt is blocked, the receiving team takes overthe ball 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage with no chance to advancethe blocked kick. Punt returns - cannot be returned if ball is insidethe 10 yard line. The receiving player can just take the ball where itlands and not risk fumble.  Punt returns are 1 times the roll of thedice if the count is 3 or more. Additional rolls rules apply.  A roll of2 is a fumble of the punt at the point of the catch. The punting teamthen rolls the dice again and a 12 gives the ball back to the puntingteam. Fumbles cannot be advanced. Field Goals - distance is calculatedas five (5) times the roll of the dice and the field goal is onlyblocked if a 2 is rolled. In that event, the other team gets the ballseven (7) yards behind the line of scrimmage. Advancing the ball is notpermitted. Yardage needed is determined by the line of scrimmage, plus10 yards for the end zone, plus seven yards for the placement of theball. If the field goal is blocked, it does not count as other team'spossession. Field goals longer than 60 yards are not permitted to beattempted. If missed, ball is placed on 20-yard line. Extra point - anextra point is kicked from the nine yard line, which makes it a 19 yardfield goal, requiring a roll of at least 4, when multiplied by five (5),to make it. Two points conversions are permitted - defense must roll 7or more to defeat. Turnovers Fumbles - If the defense rolls 12 on arunning play and causes the offense to lose yards, the defense thenrolls the dice again and another roll of 12 is a fumble and the defensegets the ball with no chance to advance. This possession continues tocount as the team's who originally fumbled the ball, even if fumbledback again. Interceptions - Upon an interception the team interceptingthe ball rolls the dice and if a 12 is rolled, the intercepting team canthen use the additional rolls rules to advance the ball. This possessioncontinues to count as the team's who threw the interception, as forfumbles above. Overtime Overtime: Roll the dice - the highest roll goesfirst. It is an advantage to go second. Each team gets one possessionand whichever scores more points on its possession wins. Play starts onthe 25 yard line. Up to four (4) possessions are permitted and thenovertime ends. If the game is still tied, the winner is decided by thedeepest penetration towards the opponent's goal line during the four (4)possessions. If the game is still tied, then the highest roll of thedice decides the winner. Multiple rolls must be taken, if necessary. Forwins achieved by penetration or by rolling the dice, scoring is one (1)point awarded to the winning player to break the tie.

[0075] TABLE II How Yardage is Decided A roll of 2 - offense gets toroll for additional yards using the additional rolls rules. Plays:Quarterback sneak - 1 yard  Defense rolls   10 or less - play succeeds  11-12 - No gain Run Middle - 3 yards  Defense rolls   9 or less - playsucceeds   10-11 - no gain   12 - lose 1 yard Run off tackle - 4 yards Defense rolls   8 or less - play succeeds   9-11 - no gain   12 - lose2 yards Run End - 8 yards  Defense rolls   7 or less - play succeeds  8-11 - no gain   12 - lose 4 yards Pass short - 10 yards  Defenserolls   6 or less - play succeeds   7-11 - incomplete   12 - intercepted(10 yards from line of scrimmage) Pass long - 40 yards  Defense rolls  4 or less - succeeds   5-11 - incomplete   12 - intercepted (40 yardsfrom line of scrimmage)

[0076] ©2003 Kip England

[0077] Referring now to FIG. 1, in its preferred form apparatus forplaying football 10 is comprised of case 20, field 22, dice rollcontainment area 44, scoreboard storage area 46, number storage area 64,dice storage area 66 and card storage area 70. Field 20 has playingsurface 24, preferably having coloration to represent a football field,for exemplary purposes only, green. Playing surface 24 also preferablyincludes lines 28 to identify yardage along the field, includingten-yard lines 30 with numbering 26, five-yard lines 32 to furtherdivide the ten-yard segments, end zone boundary lines 34, hash marks 36for ball positioning, and boundary areas 38.

[0078] Progress of the offensive team on field 22 is shown by thelocation of ball 40 on playing surface 24. First-down marker 42preferably delineates the distance that must be travelled from thepreceding first-down line of scrimmage in order to achieve a subsequentfirst down, and thus retain possession of ball 40.

[0079] The score of the game is preferably kept via scoreboard 48, whichmay reside in scoreboard storage area 46 for storage and/or during play,especially when game play is in confined spaces. Scoreboard 48 may beremoved from scoreboard storage area 46 and placed proximate field 22,or any other location readily visible and accessible to the players.

[0080] Scoreboard 48 preferably has markings thereon for a home team 50and a visiting team 52. Proximate each team designation as home team 50or visiting team 52, numbers 54 representing the current score of thegame may be placed, hung or removably affixed by any appropriate means.As each team scores during the game, the display numbers 54 are changedby the players to reflect the change in points. Numbers 54 arepreferably stored during times when the game is not being played innumber storage area 64.

[0081] Proximate each team designation, peg holes for possession count56 are preferably provided. Peg holes for possession count 56 serveinstead of a game clock. Each team controls the ball on offense for, byexample only, four possessions in each quarter of the game, wherein pegs62 are placed in appropriate sequential positions in peg holes forpossession count 56 as play progresses.

[0082] Each possession is comprised of a set of plays, in which amaximum of four valid plays are preferably permitted to achieve a firstdown and continued possession, thereby simulating traditional footballdowns. In like fashion, a team advancing a distance of ten yards fromthe line of scrimmage gets a first down, and thus begins a new set ofdowns. Peg holes for down count 58 are provided to suitably mark thenumber of downs that have taken place with pegs 62.

[0083] After each team has had four possessions, a new quarter of playbegins. Accordingly, a peg 62 is placed in peg hole for quarter count 60to identify and keep track of the number of quarters of the game thathave passed. Once four quarters have been played as in traditionalfootball, the game ends and the winner is the team with the highestnumerical score, as preferably referenced on scoreboard 48.

[0084] A pair of dice 68 is preferably located in dice storage area 66when the game is not being played. Cards 72 that depict plays arepreferably located in card storage area 70, but may removed therefromand placed in a more convenient location, such as proximate field 22during play. On each card 72, there is preferably figure 74 depicting aplayer in action and representative, for exemplary purposes only, oftype 76 of play. Each card 72 also preferably lists a type 76 of play inword fashion, direction 78 of play, and a description of the results 80of play, wherein a specific number of yards gained or lost is preferablynoted.

[0085] A further component of preferred apparatus 10, defined withincase 20, is dice roll containment area 44, preferably a suitably-sizedarea for rolling dice 68, so that the dice are retained, and may come torest, within the periphery thereof. A surface material, such as forexemplary purposes only, felt, is preferably located within dice rollcontainment area 44 so as to provide for a uniform surface for settlingof the dice 68.

[0086] Order of play of the game is preferably determined by each teamrolling dice 68. The team whose roll is higher chooses which team is toreceive the kick off. This simulates the coin toss of traditionalfootball. If both teams have equal counts on their roll of dice 68, thendice 68 are rolled again until a difference occurs.

[0087] Play is commenced by a kick off, wherein the kicking team rollsdice 68. The distance of travel of the ball is then determined from kickoff rules in Table I. Upon determining the position of the ball from thekick off, the opposing team then rolls dice 68 to determine the distanceof the kick off return. A team may choose not to return a kick off.

[0088] As in traditional football, the kicking team may select toattempt an on-side kick. If this option is chosen, it must be declaredprior to roll of dice 68, and then a set of rules for to on-side kicks,as shown in Table I, will govern the play. Failure to declare an on-sidekick results in the kick being played under normal kick off rules.

[0089] Play continues with the first possession of the team that hasreceived the ball from the initial kick off. To simulate traditionalfootball, the receiving team must achieve ten yards in a series of fourdowns (a first down) in order to continue in possession. Play is byselection of a play card 72 by the offense, that is, the team inpossession of the ball, which selection is at the choice of the playerin possession. Dice 68 are then rolled by the defense, that is, the teamnot in possession, to determine the outcome of the play. The outcomedepends upon the roll of dice 68, wherein the offensive play referencedfrom selected card 72 determines the outcome of the roll of dice 68according to the rules as described in Table II. Once the outcome hasbeen determined, ball 40 is preferably moved by the appropriate numberof yards gained or lost, with reference to the defensive team's goalline. If the yardage gained in a play or over a series of four or fewerdowns is at least ten yards from the line of scrimmage, then offensiveteam has a first down and keeps possession of the ball and continues toselect play cards 72 and roll dice 68.

[0090] Once an offensive team fails to advance ten yards within fourdowns, or decides to punt or kick a field goal, possession will changeto the other team. Play continues with the teams alternating until eachteam has had the ball for four possessions, whether or not either teamhas scored. The second quarter begins with the teams changing directionon the field, but with play continuing with ball 40 at the samerespective yardage line 28 as at the end of the first quarter.

[0091] As in traditional football, score occurs when a team reaches theopposing team's end zone 34 for a touchdown, scoring six points,followed by an extra point try, or kicks a field goal scoring threepoints. Field goal kicking may be elected by an offensive team, whereinthe dice 68 are rolled and the results are determined from the rules inTable I. Field goal attempts are preferably limited to no longer thansixty yards, whereby actual traditional football play is best simulated.

[0092] After the end of the second quarter of play, as measured by eachteam having had four possessions in the second quarter, the second halfbegins with the team who kicked off at the beginning of the game nowreceiving possession of ball 40 from a kick off by the other player, asin traditional football and as determined from a roll of dice 68 andconsultation of the rules in Table I for the resulting positioning ofball 40. In the third quarter, play continues as before with each teamhaving four possessions, which are determined by the number of downsachieved, irrespective of score, or by turnovers such as fumbles orinterceptions, just as in a traditional football game.

[0093] Thus, during the course of play of the game, a team may losepossession, and thus end that possession, by turning over ball 40 to theother player's possession. This may take place following a roll of dice68, wherein the count on the dice 68 totals twelve. According to thepreferred rules, as specified in table I, an offensive team roll of 12results in either a loss, no gain, or an interception. Upon such a countof twelve that is not an automatic interception, dice 68 are rolledagain and if a second count of twelve is achieved, the play is a fumbleor interception dependent upon whether a running or passing play hadbeen selected by the offensive team.

[0094] A team may also end their possession of ball 40 by failing toachieve the requisite ten yards and a first down, otherwise known as anew set of downs. A team may choose to use all four downs to attempt toadvance ten yards, but if this choice is made and the team fails toachieve the ten yards, ball 40 is turned over to the opposing player atits present location on the field. A player may also choose to punt,typically, for exemplary purposes only, on fourth down. In the case of apunt, there is the potential for a blocked kick in the event of a rollof dice 68 counting a total of two. Otherwise, the punt preferablycarries for a distance of five times the count on the dice 68. Uponreceiving a punt, the receiving team may elect to return ball 40, unlessit lies within ten yards of end zone 34. If the punt is returnable, thereceiving team rolls the dice 68 and the new count determines the returnyardage in accordance with the rules in Table I.

[0095] A particular aspect of the preferred embodiment, to provide forenhanced play in games where the score is close, is that during thefinal possession of the game, if the team with ball 40 in possession isleading by eight points or less, that leading team is required toachieve at least one first down within four plays, or ball 40 must bepunted to the other team on the fourth play, wherein the team receivingthe punt is given an additional possession. During this additionalpossession, the punt-receiving team is permitted a preferable maximum ofsix downs to score, wherein only one first down is permitted and then ascore must be made within the next two plays. If a touchdown is scored,the scoring team may then try for one or two extra points, as needed. Ifno score is made, the leading team is the winner.

[0096] In the event of a tie score, the game continues in much the sameway that a traditional football game goes into overtime. The order ofovertime play is decided by a roll of dice 68, with the player havingthe higher count on dice 68 being able to determine whether to kick offor receive. Each team gets one possession in which to score, alternatingbetween the teams, with a maximum of four possessions. Once each teamhas had ball 40 an equal number of possessions, the score is evaluatedto determine whether one team has more points than the other. In such anevent, the team with the higher point score is the winner. If there isno team with a score higher than the other after four overtimepossessions, the winner is selected as the team that made the deepestpenetration into the territory of the opposing team, that is, the teamthat has advanced the greatest number of yards towards the opposing goalline. If the result is still a tie, a roll of dice 68 decides thewinner, the winner being that player with the higher roll of dice 68.Multiple rolls of dice 68 may be required until one player has a rollhigher than the other and is declared the winner.

[0097] Another important feature of the preferred embodiment is thatduring the course of the game, during plays after the defense has rolledthe number two, it is possible that further rolls of dice 68 may resultin doubles, that is each die having thereon the same number upright. Insuch an event, dice 68 are rolled again until doubles no longer occur.During said rolls, the total on dice 68 for each double roll ismultiplied by the number of times dice 68 were rolled by the offense,and that is then the yardage gained on the play. Once a non-double isrolled, that play ceases.

[0098] One skilled in the art would readily recognize that, although aboard game format is preferred for apparatus for playing football 10,alternate formats could be utilized such as, for exemplary purposesonly, video and/or any other appropriate graphical and/or visualformats.

[0099] In an alternative embodiment, the means for keeping score couldbe a digital electronic lighted scoreboard 48.

[0100] In a further embodiment any means for keeping score may be usedin place of scoreboard 48, such as, for example only, writing down thescore on a paper or slate.

[0101] In an additional embodiment, the recording of downs, possessionsand quarters may be accomplished through sliding markers with numericalpositions that the slide may point to.

[0102] In another embodiment, cards 72 may have thereon a device whichdescribes pictorially the type of play being made, without writtendescription.

[0103] It is further envisioned in an alternative embodiment thatscoreboard 48, cards 72, case 20, field 22 and/or playing surface 24carry identifiers characteristic of specific professional or collegeteams.

[0104] In still yet another alternative embodiment, it is envisionedthat the game may be entirely conf igured with a digital display.

[0105] In an alternate embodiment, apparatus for playing football 10could incorporate licensed trademarks, wherein each player end zonecould represent a professional or college football team.

[0106] In an alternate embodiment, any means of essentially randomnumber generation could be utilized in lieu of dice such as, forexemplary purposes only, a spinning wheel, electronic random numbergenerator, computer random number generator, dice popper or numberedcards.

[0107] In an alternative embodiment, the overtime may be played by eachteam having possession beginning at their own 25-yard line, in lieu of akick-off.

[0108] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that thewithin disclosures are exemplary only, and that various otheralternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within thescope of the present invention. Many modifications and other embodimentsof the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to whichthis invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented inthe foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it isto be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specificembodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A board style football game, comprising a) acase; b) a playing surface having field means for football play, saidfield means having incremental yard line markings thereon, said markingscomprising means for marking ball position and means for marking firstdown requirement; c) means for keeping score; d) indicia for selectingteam action; e) rules; and f) means for randomly generating anddisplaying a number, wherein said number, in combination with saidindicia, determines the result of a play.
 2. The board style footballgame of claim 1, further including means for determining length ofplaying time.
 3. The board style football game of claim 2, wherein saidmeans for determining length of playing time comprises a counterdisplaying the number of possessions by each team.
 4. The board stylefootball game of claim 3, wherein said counter indicates a fixed numberof possessions by each team.
 5. The board style football game of claim4, wherein said counter comprises four possessions by each team perquarter.
 6. The board style football game of claim 1, wherein said meansfor randomly generating and displaying a number comprises at least onepair of dice.
 7. The board style football game of claim 1, wherein saidfield means, said case, and other game components reflect the colorscheme and identifying characteristics of a college or professionalteam, whereby a player having special interest therein can exhibit theirteam preference.
 8. A method for playing a game of football comprisingthe steps of a) providing a board having a football playing surface; b)providing a means for marking ball position; c) selecting indicia by theoffensive team to determine type of play; d) determining play outcomebased on comparing a number obtained from a random number generator toinformation on said indicia; e) requiring a fixed number of possessionsper quarter to determine the length of play time; and f) keeping score,whereby opposing teams can play a game of football.
 9. The method forplaying a game of football of claim 8, wherein said random numbergenerator is at least one pair of dice.
 10. The method for playing agame of football of claim 8, wherein said random number generator is acomputer random number generator.
 11. The method for playing a game offootball of claim 9, further comprising, after a roll of the number twothe defending time, the offense rolling said at least one pair of dice asuccessive number of times until each die has a different numberthereon.
 12. The method for playing a game of football of claim 11,further comprising multiplying the count on said at least one pair ofdice by the number of times said at least one pair of dice were rolledthat resulted in doubles, and advancing the ball that resulting numberof yards.
 13. The method for playing a game of football of claim 8,further comprising the steps of during the last scheduled possession,determining whether teams' scores are separated by less than nine (9)points, and if so, requiring the leading team to achieve a first downwithin four plays to retain possession of ball.
 14. The method forplaying a game of football of claim 13, if the leading team fails toachieve a first down, further comprising the step of allowing anadditional possession to the team that is behind in the score, saidadditional possession comprising up to six extra downs in order to tiethe score or win the game.
 15. The method for playing a game of footballof claim 14, wherein if a first down is achieved on the first play, ofsaid additional possession, the team in possession shall have only fourmore downs in which to tie the score or win the game.
 16. The method forplaying a game of football of claim 8, wherein each quarter is measuredby each team having had possession four times.
 17. The method forplaying a game of football of claim 8, if result of said play outcome isa turnover, further comprising the step of allowing a team that receivesthe ball by virtue of said turnover to complete that possession withoutsaid possession counting as one of its possessions for that quarter. 18.The method for playing a game of football of claim 8, further comprisingthe step of providing a case to fully contain the game.
 19. A game caseassembly, comprising a carrying case having therein a first insidesurface and a second inside surface, said first inside surface havingplaying field indicia carried thereon.
 20. The game case assembly ofclaim 19, wherein said second inside surface comprises a storage areafor game components and a containment area for rolling at least one pairof dice.
 21. The game case assembly of claim 19, further comprising a)means for randomly generating and displaying a number; b) means forkeeping score; c) indicia for selecting plays; d) ball marker; and e)first down marker.